Introduction :
Hiking is more than just an activity; it’s a chance to see some of most beautiful and untouched spots on earth. Whether you are an old-school trekker, a newbie wanting to get started in the hiking journey or merely just looking for some beautiful gravel road to walk on, there is always an idle picturesque hike-trail waiting for you downtrodden. Trekking opens a window to unparallel visual feast of rugged mountain tops and tropical beaches which are isolated to wheels in most times.
There is a lot more to see for many hikers that they appreciate more as landscapes rather than the physical challenge itself. There are trails with a remarkable historical heritage, and others that traverse some of the most visually stunning country on earth. Here we will show you the 10 most beautiful hiking trails on the planet that any hiker must have traveled at least once in their life.
From alpine mountain tracks to deser treks and cliffside hikes, these trails criss-cross continents, climates and terrain. If you are looking to get outside and enjoy1 some of the best views or if you want an escape from the hustle and bustle then we have 6 hiking spots that offer something a bit different requires just one night easing into camping life.
1. Inca Trail, Peru
Without a doubt, one of the most iconic trails in the world, Inca Trail offers an incredible mix of landscapes and ruins that make up its path to one of the New World Wonders: Machu Picchu. The trail is about 26 miles long with a duration of approximately 4 days. What makes this desert hike special is the journey, not only the destination.
Why It’s Scenic:
Over its four-day course, the Inca Trail winds through cloud forests, alpine tundras and subtropical jungles, with trekkers able to look out over the adjacent Andes Mountains. You will hike through preserved Incan archaeological sites, experiencing culture unique to our world, with views of Machu Picchu from Sun Gate.
Best Time to Hike:
Dry season (best months are from April to October) From November to March is the registry of rain, and that turns out to be a real drag when you bike this trail so keep in mind during those months is less dry leading to more slipping around on the way.
Culture and Scenery: This breathtakingly beautiful trail combines some of the most interesting history with some of the best scenery, making it a must-do for any hiker looking for both culture and natural features.
2. Tour du Mont Blanc, France/Italy/Switzerland
One of the most popular multi-day hikes in all of Europe is the Tour du Mont Blanc, a 105-mile loop around Western Europe’s highest mountain (Mont Blanc). Boasting stunning vistas of the Alps, this trail traverses France, Italy and Switzerland.
Why It’s Scenic:
Known for its glaciers, towering peaks, and vibrant alpine meadows… this hike is a feast for your eyes. Passing several quaint villages on the way, perfect for resting and experiencing local village life A hike where you can walk while constantly seeing Mont Blanc, one of the most beautiful mountains on Earth.
Best Time to Hike:
How long does it take to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc: 7-8 days When to go: June – September, with snow clearing on the trails and warmer weather. The busiest months are July and August, so opt for June or September if you are interested in fewer crowds.
The Tour du Mont Blanc is a hiker’s dream come true as the trail circumnavigates the alps while crossing boarders.
3. Milford Track, New Zealand
In New Zealand’s dramatic Fiordland National Park on the South Island is the Milford Track, which has been dubbed “the finest walk in the world.” This 33.5-mile trail runs through some of the cleanest and untrammelled wilderness on Earth, trekking through lush rainforest to alpine meadows to waterfalls.
Why It’s Scenic:
The Trail traverses an amazing diversity of landscapes, from the placid waters of Lake Te Anau to the high peaks at Mackinnon Pass. On your way up you will traverse a series of cascading waterfalls, Sutherland a few being one amongst the highest water fizzles in the world. At the end of the trail is Milford Sound, a stunning fjord that necessitates the hike itself.
Best Time to Hike:
Milford TrackThe Milford Track should only be hiked between late October and early April when it is the New Zealand Summer. The trail itself is closed for the remainder of the year because of hazardous weather.
Covering both dramatic fjords and towering waterfalls, as well as lush rainforests, the Milford Track is one of the best hikes in an evergreen-laden New Zealand landscape.
4. Haute Route -France and Switzerland
Haute Route = A Classic high-altitude route linking Chamonix, France with Zermatt in Switzerland. At 112 miles, the trail winds through some of the most beautiful alpine landscapes on earth NOAHKAIDGetty The trail is around 112 miles long, journeying through some of the most spectacular Alpine scenery in Europe with its snow-capped peaks and stunning vistas of Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn.
Why It’s Scenic:
The Haute Route travels through many different landscapes, including lush valleys and high alpine passes. You will experience all the beauty of alpine valleys, complete with their glaciers, lakes and hut style Swiss villages. The Matterhorn and Mont Blanc mountain views make this hike worth it.
Best Time to Hike:
The trails are clear of snow and open, making the period between July to September the best time to backpack on the Haute Route. You will also get the clearest view of the mountains in and around this region.
For hikers looking for exposure to the best of alpine trekking, Haute Route is an incredible experience juxtaposing rugged beauty, excitement and cultural exploration.
5. Appalachian Trail:
The Appalachian Trail, from South Georgia to North Georgia through Maine, is one of the best-known long distance hiking trails in the world. Though few actually make their way through the whole trail, there is certainly a large number of hikers who only tackle sections of it at a time — for instance, perhaps just the Great Smoky Mountains or else just the White Mountains.
Why It’s Scenic:
The Appalachian Trail traverses many landscapes from deep dark forests and green rolling hills to peaks of rugged mountain ridges. During the fall months, the trail comes alive with bright reds, oranges, and yellows of fall foliage. The variety of landscape and the abundance of wildlife have helped make this trail popular among hikers.
Best Time to Hike:
When to hike the Appalachian Trail varies depending on the section you are hiking. Most areas are best in spring or fall, when the heat isn’t at its peak and the bugs aren’t as prolific. The northern parts are to be walked during the summer season because there shouldn’t be much snow.
From hiking a few miles to thru-hiking the entire thing, the Appalachian Trail has something for everyone as it winds its way through the eastern United States.
6. Kalalau Trail, Kauai, Hawaii, USA
The Kalalau Trail, located on the island of Kauai, is considered one of the most incredible and dangerous coastal trails in the world. A favourite of seasoned trekkers, this 22-mile round-trip is perhaps the most challenging hike on Kauai, and takes you along the stunning Pacific Ocean and through some of the finest tropical landscapes in Hawaii.
Why It’s Scenic:
The footpath follows closely the napali coast line Cliffside that provides spectacular ocean views and green valleys. The terrain is thick jungle, with streams to cross and the chance to laze on empty beaches. Point of InterestKalalau LookoutOffering some of the best panoramic views in the state, this lookout park marks an iconic end point to a winding road on Kauaʻi’s cooler western side.
Best Time to Hike:
The ideal time to hike the Kalalau Trail is from May through October when the weather tends to be drier, and there’s less mud. Be sure to check out the trail conditions before you head out as there are sections of the trail that can be washed out after a decent rain..
This is a dream hike for many and rightly so since you will not find much more beautiful coastal scenery MANYWHERE on the planet outside of the Kalalau Trail.
7. Laugavegur Trail, Iceland:
The Laugavegur Trail has a well-deserved reputation as one of Iceland’s most iconic hikes, carrying hikers across the surreal landscapes of the Landmannalaugar area. The colorful mountains, geothermal hot spring and vast lava fields are the highlights along this 34-mile-long trail.
Why It’s Scenic:
It goes through an otherworldly scenery of colorful rhyolite mountains, and steaming hot springs over seemingly endless lava fields. On the way, you also come across glaciers, rivers and green lush valleys. The way the moss grows across the black volcanic rock is stunning and we find ourselves battling against harsh winds in this corner of bide.
Best Time to Hike:
The trail is usually open to hikers from late June until early September when the track is not covered with snow and weather conditions are expected to be slightly more stable. The summer months in Iceland are ideal for visitors looking to hit the trails, since hiking is still a little harsh during the winter but fine given it has 24-hour daylight as of late May.
Laugavegur Trail is the more popular of the half, with a host of dramatic volcanic environments and geothermal activity — this challenging 34-mile trek will end in Thorsmork.
8. W Circuit, Torres del Paine Chile
The Torres del Paine W Circuit, situated in the heart of Patagonia is one of the most famous treks on earth with inspiring rugged mountain landscapes, glaciers and turquoise lakes. The trail
stretches for 50 miles and generally takes five days to complete.
Why It’s Scenic:
The “W” Circuit Is Renowned For Its Stunning Granite Towers And Their Backdrop Of Turquoise Lakes And Vast Grassy Plains. You will pass glaciers like the mighty Grey Glacier and can find wildlife like guanacos and condors on your way. The path offers scenic wonders around each corner.
Best Time to Hike:
Best Time to do the Torres del Paine Circuit October : April (Patagonian summer) The weather changes rapidly, so expect bright sun to strong wind and rain.
For those who desire unadulterated, uncooked beauty of nature then the Torres del Paine Circuit is a must have life time trek towards heart of Patagonian nature.
9. Zion Narrows, USA
The Zion Narrows hike at Zion National Park in Utah is one of the most zestful and beautiful hikes in all of the United States. This hike traverses the deepest part of the Zion Canyon allowing you to walk very shallow and cold waters of Virgin River between tall cliffs rising on both sides.
Why It’s Scenic:
The hike boasts some of the most dramatic scenery in southern Utah: towering red sandstone walls, verdant hanging gardens, and shimmering water tumbling through the canyon. Hiking through the river is a truly unique experience and you will be amazed at the different colors of the canyon walls as sun moves across it.
Best Time to Hike:
Late spring to early fall are the best times to hike Zion Narrows when the water levels are lower and the temperature warmer. Before setting out, however, make sure you gauge the water flow as flash floods are powerful.
One of the most beautiful hikes in the United States is undoubtedly The Zion Narrows hike.
10. Camino de Santiago, Spain Photo by: California Globetrotter
The Camino de Santiago, or The Way of Saint James is an ancient pilgrimage route through northern Spain. The most frequented of these, the Camino Francés, is some 500 miles that course from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France to Santiago de Compostela.
Why It’s Scenic:
It is a mix of breathtaking natural beauty and cultural experiences that the Camino has to offer, just like it has been offering for centuries. Walkers will traipse through wooded glades, across gently undulating hills and into picture-postcard hamlets to the almost silent sound of rural Spain. It is the extremely old remarkable Historical Destination ( The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela).
Best Time to Hike:
The Camino de Santiago is best hiked in the spring or fall when temperatures are cool and there is less foot traffic. SUMMER- northern Spain is hot and particularly in the plains.
The journey that is Camino de Santiago is one filled with spiritual and culture significance, stretching back centuries (although, yes it is no doubt beautiful to look at too!).
Conclusion :
The first one of the Outdoor activities that we think is incredible, is hiking,Hiking across some of the world’s most stunning landscapes, from mighty mountain tops to staggering coastal cliffs and wide sweeping woodlands. Here are 10 of the most scenic hiking trails in the world — each with a fusion of beauty, cultural discovery, and exhilarating remoteness experiences.
Whether you are after a high alpine adventure like the Tour du Mont Blanc, easier cultural trails such as the Camino de Santiago or even along tropical coastlines like hiking the Kalalau Trail there is a walk to suit just about any kind of traveller. Not only are you going to be challenged physically during these hikes — but you can also use them as a chance to really connect with nature and see some of the best scenery our planet has!
All that’s left to do is lace up those boots, put on your backpack and head into one of these epic hiking experiences. The next spellbinding view is a step away!
Scenic Hiking Trails Around the World FAQs
When I see in a multi-day hike?
It should contain a backpack, heavy duty hiking boots, sleeping bag, food supply, water and navigation tools. Travel with lightweight items, but pack smart by bringing the right weather-appropriate clothing and emergency supplies.
What hiking trail should I walk as good at my huffs and puffs?
My advice is visiting beginner trails that suit your abilities. You can use websites such as alltrails to see the length, elevation gain, and difficulty of trails.
The Best time to hike these Trail?
The best time will depend on the trail. In general, spring and fall may provide mild weather with fewer tourist in attendance while summer can be great for hikes in the highland or by the coast.
